Worthwhile resolutions for 2013: Sun News editorial

With the dawn of a new year upon us, everyone is looking to make resolutions they hope will make them better individuals. Lose weight, take better care of finances, stop smoking — these are all typical resolutions that can be achieved with a little commitment.

Here are a couple of resolutions we can all make in 2013 to improve life in our communities. They are very worthwhile goals to achieve, and they can provide satisfaction for everybody instead of just ourselves.

Do more shopping at locally-owned stores: It is easy to visit the big chain stores and buy everything you need in one trip. But allow yourself a little extra time on shopping trips and visit local retailers. For all the national chains in Severance Town Center, there are just as many locally-owned stores on Coventry that offer most of the same products as the big guys offer. The difference is the customer service at the locally-owned store is so much better than at the national chain and the money you spend locally stays in the community, helping us all.

Show respect for your community: This should be an easy one for all of us to do. If you see litter on the ground, don’t wait for someone else to come by and pick it up — pick it up yourself. Keep your homes and lawns well-maintained. Recycle products as much as possible. All of these things improve the appearance of the community, making it a more attractive location for prospective residents and businesses, and the latter item helps out the planet.

In addition, we would like to see the following resolutions made in 2013 involving Heights-area leaders:

Follow through on your promises: The campaigns for state and federal elected offices are over and the winners are being sworn in to their well-earned positions. The campaigns may be a distant memory for most of us, but we hope our elected officials do not forget about the promises they made to their constituents on the campaign trail. For re-elected State Rep. Armond Budish, we hope he makes good on his promise to continue fighting for his constituents, even in the face of stiff Republican opposition in Columbus. We hope re-elected U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge does the same thing in Washington, D.C. For all those considering a run for municipal office this year, we hope they remember not to make promises they can’t keep.

Listen to your constituents: Residents in Cleveland Heights have been speaking out on a number of issues in the city, mainly in regard to preserving green space, and that theme will continue in 2013, especially once discussions begin on proposals for the Cleveland Heights portion of the former Oakwood Country Club property. Shaker Heights residents have already been vociferous about the installation of traffic cameras in their city and will continue to speak out about those devices in the new year. Leaders need to listen carefully to what these residents have to say, even if they don’t necessarily agree with the positions these people take. If residents are passionate enough about a topic, elected leaders need to take those people seriously instead of merely brushing them aside.

Be involved in school dialogue: The Cleveland Heights-University Heights schools are creating a master facilities plan that will go before voters later this year in the form of a bond issue to pay for the proposed renovations to district buildings. The Shaker schools are conducting a search for a new superintendent. The Beachwood schools are continuing with a renovation of the high school and are contemplating upgrading the football stadium by adding artificial turf and lights. Residents are speaking their minds on these projects, and city leaders should also make their voices heard. The cities and schools need to work together to ensure long-term success for both, and that starts with city leaders being active in school projects and school leaders taking a more active role in city initiatives.

Have a prosperous and healthy 2013, and may you all make a difference in your community.

That’s what we think. Share your opinion on this editorial or other topics by sending a letter to the editor to rjablonski@sunnews.com, faxing your letter to 216-986-2340 or mailing it to Ray Jablonski, Sun News East Group editor, 5510 Cloverleaf Parkway, Cleveland, 44125. All letters must include the author’s name, city and a daytime phone number for verification.

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